Your 2017 Anthem Is Here, and It’s Brought to You by Saudi Women

A pop song that delivers a political and cultural message about women in Saudi Arabia has racked up more than 2.5 million views on YouTube since it premiered. “Hwages,” (which translates to concerns) a music video by Saudi director Majed al-Esa released in late December, is going viral both in his home country and abroad. (Ameera al-Taweel, an ex-wife of a Saudi prince, even tweeted about it).

The video features three women in black niqabs that are skateboarding down a street, their scarves and colorful dresses flowing behind them. A catchy tune with provocative lyrics — “May all men sink into oblivion” and “If only God would rid us of men” — plays as the women alternately glide on in-line skates, cruise on scooters and parade down the street in vibrant outfits, all things taboo for women in Saudi Arabia.

WE SAID THIS: The video is a courageous move for Saudi women, as it mocks the ban on women driving and other gender inequalities in the Kingdom.